Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Cornwallis Low-tide Loop

Huia, Auckland

Submitted by Lyn Stanton

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 13 ?

Gnarl Factor: 60 ?

9.0km

140m

140m

140m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Beach

Coastal

Run Makeup

16%
13%
11%
60%

Sealed Road

Gravel Road

Easy Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +4.4%

Average Downhill Gradient: -6.1%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:15

Slow

1:30

Moderate

1:00

Fast

LOW TIDE ROUTE ONLY. Starting from the carpark, follow the well developed gravel track through bush to the beach. You may see dog walkers and fishers.

Turn left across the sandflats and then onto the rocky fringe. Rock hopping all the way. Mix of rock experiences - round slippery boulders, oyster and barnacle covered scrambles, small beaches. Good idea to take some waterproof dressings in case of cuts. Be prepared to clamber, scramble and wade. There is one point where there is a deeper water crossing. Only attempt this if the sea is calm, not surging and time yourself for dead low tide!!

Eventually you will come around to Cornwallis Wharf. Continue along the beach or on the grassy fringe to the carpark and gravel road. Hopefully the Jubilee Track will have re-opened which means you can stay off the dust up the hill. At Huia Road, turn left and run back to the starting carpark - about 1.5k of sealed road - a moderate but short climb and then descent. There is a reasonable shoulder but be aware of cars. If the sea conditions are doubtful you may want to start in the opposite direction, in which case it is possible to get up to the headland road by bush crash/fishers' track before the deepest water crossing.

Beautiful coastal views

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There is a reasonable sized carpark at the start of the trail, but it gets busy at weekends so go early! Dogs are allowed down to the beach but the rest of the route is not dog suitable.

4 km

4 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

The navigation is easy but the risk is from the sea. Note warnings regarding tide and wave surges.

Generally good.

Windproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

No drinking water until Cornwallis Beach.

Only attempt with calm settled sea conditions and low tide.

Ankle twisting rocks, sharp oysters and barnacles, rock scrambles, sea surges.

Titirangi Village

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Trail Reviews

As per the instructions, you really need to pick the right day to do this trail. Even then it's part coasteering, part running. I walked it bang on low tide, on a reasonably calm day. I had to swim twice to get around the rocks, which meant timing the swell coming down off and back up onto the rocks. It was pretty tricky and unforgiving in places and I'd suggest taking a running buddy. Not my favourite day out if I'm honest, but seeing the seals on the rocks was pretty cool.

Matt Rowbotham

July 3, 2022

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